Rochester Copperheads Book 3: Grief & Glitter by RJ Scott & VL Locey

 

Rochester Copperheads Book 3

Haunted by the past. Fighting for the future. Finding love in between.

Gideon "Taft" Taftwell has spent years outrunning the past—on the ice, in the gym, and behind a carefully built wall of silence. As kids, he and his brothers spent countless hours dreaming about professional hockey and everything that came after. Then one reckless moment changed everything. Ten years later, he's still carrying the guilt of this brother's death and the certainty that his family is right to blame him.

Ryan Vale had dreams of beauty school, movie sets, and making a name for himself in Hollywood. Instead, one bad decision became another, and before he knew it, addiction had stolen years he could never get back. Now sober and rebuilding his life one day at a time, he finds an unexpected purpose working for the Rochester Copperheads, sharpening skates and staying focused on the future rather than the past.

When their paths cross, neither man is looking for love. Taft is haunted by a loss that's shaped every part of his life, while Ryan is fighting every day to become the man he wants to be. Friendship comes first, then trust, and slowly something deeper. But moving forward means confronting old wounds, and both men know that healing is never as simple as letting go.

Grief & Glitter is an emotional MM hockey romance featuring a recovering addict, a hockey player carrying ten years of guilt, slow-burn romance, found family, healing, hope, and two men discovering that forgiveness—especially for themselves—can change everything.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/252256851-grief-glitter

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Taft has been living with the pain and guilt for his brother’s death for the last ten years. It hasn’t gotten easier. Even with hockey being his biggest distraction. And it doesn’t help with the way he is treated around his dad and brother. Even though Taft has been getting the help he needs from therapy, it doesn’t mean his depression is truly gone. But when he meets Ryan and actually takes a chance to get to know him? Well, maybe he can find that bit of happiness he has deprived himself of. Ryan was lost for a while. A recovering addict, he has reached a year of being sober. And while his job at the hockey arena with his dad isn’t terrible, it isn’t what he wants either. But when Taft appears in his life, they begin this friendship. That turns into trust and into so much more. And the best part of it? Ryan can actually be himself around Taft. He’s genderfluid and has been afraid to truly walk around as himself, but Taft gives him the courage to try. Especially when Taft loves all sides of Ryan. And maybe they can heal together and claim a future neither thought they would ever get. I loved this story! Taft and Ryan have such a sweet slow burn romance, that is well worth the wait. They are building this trust between them that both need so much. They become that safe place for one another ass they try to move forward in their loves. I loved their dynamic and how sweet their love story was. Both deserve that and so much more! 

Silvercrest U Book 6: Like a Villain by Willow Dixon

 

Silvercrest U Book 6

Hazen

Just when I think my life can’t get any crazier, I wake up after a night of partying and find out that the person I hooked up isn’t just one of my frat brothers; he’s also our hacker, and my direct subordinate.

I might not remember what happened that night, but Liam does, and I have video proof of everything that went down. After using my proof to blackmail him into hooking up again, I find out that he’s into the same stuff I am, and the more we hook up, the more I crave him.

Liam is the opposite of what I usually go for, but there’s something about his shyness and quiet nature that draws me in. I’ve never wanted to mess around with a guy before, and what starts as a game turns into something real, and my amusement becomes obsession.

Then I find out that someone has been targeting him, and I vow to do everything in my power to keep him safe. Liam is mine, and I will burn the world down to protect him.

If someone wants him, then they’ll have to go through me, first.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/253922226-like-a-villain

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Liam has had a major crush on Hazen for a long time. But telling him? Yeah, never going to happen. He’s nerdy and awkward and knows Hazen is straight. Liam’s the IT guy for their frat and the idea of Hazen ever wanting him just doesn’t feel possible. Until the night they hook up. Well, sorta. He just never expects Hazen to come back for more. And more. It feels too good to be true. And he’s waiting for some sort of catch. And there is one but has nothing to do with Hazen. Turns out, witnessing something you shouldn’t has finally come back for him. Meanwhile, Hazen never thought about hooking up with a guy before but the chemistry between him and Liam is undeniable. And it’s just for Liam. He may have been trying to figure it out at first hookup or two, but after that? Yeah, he knows Liam is his. And when it looks like Liam is in trouble? Well, everyone better watch out. Because no one gets to lay a hand on Liam and not regret it. Can they figure out who is targeting Liam before it’s too late? I love this series. It’s a great dark romance with such interesting characters. I really loved Liam and Hazen and watching their relationship turn into so much more. We also finally get answers to the blackmail scheme that has been a problem since book one. And even when we wrap that up, looks like we have the promise of at least two more books coming our way with some characters we’ve met. Definitely can’t wait for more!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Christmas at Hall Farm Book 2: Midnight and Mistletoe by Ana Ashley

 

Christmas at Hall Farm Book 2

The biggest risk isn't telling a secret—it's keeping it.

It was a simple arrangement. No strings, no feelings, no complications. Just stolen moments in the dark when the world isn't watching.

Now I'm standing on his doorstep two weeks before Thanksgiving, breaking every rule we made.

Ten years of loving him in the dark never prepared me for waking up next to Griffin Hall. But somewhere between shared meals and kisses on the couch that feel so much like a life I could have, I fell all the way in love with my best friend's younger brother.

When the world catches up to us, I'll have to choose—keep hiding, or finally fight for him.

Midnight and Mistletoe is a best friend's brother, secret relationship, friends-to-lovers Christmas romance featuring small-town charm, ten years of unspoken love, forced proximity, and one very determined sprig of mistletoe.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/243443798-midnight-and-mistletoe

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

For ten years, Fox and Finn have been keeping a secret. They’ve been hooking up, no strings attached, just stolen moments whenever they could. But when Fox shows up on Finn’s doorstep two weeks before Thanksgiving, he breaks every rule they’ve ever set. And it’s so easy for them to fall into a routine, even if it means keeping it a secret. But things have been changing. And truthfully these two have been falling for one another for a very long time. And it is finally time for them to acknowledge it. Decisions will have to be made, futures to consider. So can they finally be truthful for one another and admit what they truly want? I loved this story! Fox and Finn have been very clearly in love with one another for a long time. Loyal to one another for years and not really considering what it could mean. Basically, these two have been in a relationship for ten years without ever saying it. And with their lives changing, they finally stop to actually acknowledge the feelings they have. Yet, they are so scared to tell the other in fear. I loved getting to know these two and the love story that has been building up between them for so long. And when we finally get that happily ever after? It’s well deserved and so sweet. I am loving this Christmas series and I cannot wait for book 3!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Lochguard Highland Dragons Book 12: The Dragon Protector by Jessie Donovan

 

Lochguard Highland Dragons Book 12

Brodie MacNeil finds an injured human female just outside Clan Lochguard and is assigned to protect her from the ex-husband who left her to die. That includes secretly taking her to Clan Stonefire in England and looking after her as she heals. Before long, he starts to see the female in a different light, but given his past, he’s determined to keep his distance, no matter how much Mari calls to both man and dragon.

Mariana Barlow wakes up on Lochguard, frantic to find her children. But after learning all the dragon clans in the UK are working together to locate them and her ex, she tries to focus on healing. Since she’s allergic to dragon’s blood, she struggles, but a certain dragonman Protector goes out of his way to care for her. She tries shielding her heart, but Brodie is hard to resist, especially once he goes out of his way to win over her kids.

The pair both have tragic pasts, but together they start to feel whole. So when a nearly forgotten enemy tries to tear them apart, will Mari and Brodie be able to survive and finally find happiness? Or, will they be torn apart forever?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/255840199-the-dragon-protector

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

When Brodie discovers a severely injured human female outside of Clan Lochguard, he is assigned to protect her from the ex-husband who left her to die. He is also doing what he can to help find her children that her ex kidnapped as well. He may not be the one searching but he’ll at least care for their mom until they are found. To make sure she is safe, he takes her to Clan Stonefire. But he never expects to connect with Mari after she wakes and begins to heal. He never wanted a mate, after the tragedy that was his parents and the horribleness that came before they died. But Mari has him thinking differently. Mari wakes up, hurting in a lot of terrible ways, but is terrified for her children. She does her best to help the dragon shifters with any information she has and though she is wary at first, she surprises herself when she realizes that she isn’t afraid of Brodie. With her past? Men are the last thing on her mind. But he’s different. And every day he proves to her just how different he is than her ex. Perhaps love isn’t something so out of reach after everything she’s been through. Especially when she sees him with her children. But they aren’t safe just yet. Not when her ex is getting mixed up with some pretty bad people. Can they stop him once and for all? I really loved this story! I really liked getting to know Brodie and Mari. We get back into Stonefire and it feels like it’s been a minute since we were with that clan. Also, we got some pretty interesting new bits of information in this story, and I’m looking forward to seeing how everything plays out!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Storm Season Book 2: Under Water by EM Lindsey

Storm Season Book 2

 

That’s it. My co-worker has to die. There’s no other way around it. If I have to spend one more day cleaning up his mess—no matter how good he makes the mess look—I’m going to lose it.

My life is complicated enough with a soon-to-be ex-husband who won’t accept the marriage is over, a medically complex son, and a job I can’t seem to get away from. I really don’t need to keep nurturing this crush on the very obnoxious, very good looking, very straight firefighter.

It’s too bad Easton’s beloved around the station.

It’s too bad my kid also loves him.

It’s too bad he’s starting to make me feel like there’s hope for something more.

Especially when my life gets turned upside down after my ex starts stalking me, and my kid has a near-death experience. I’ve only ever relied on myself to get out of these messes, but now Easton’s making it seem like I can drop my guard.

But I know better than that. The moment I do, everything will go to hell.

So why does he keep showing up every time I need him? And why does he make me feel like, for the first time in my life, I can breathe under water?

Under Water is the second book in the Storm Season series. It’s a workplace rivals to lovers romance with a grumpy IT-guy single dad, a sunshine firefighter, a bi-awakening, baby ducks, a snarky pre-teen who sees way too much, and a steamy, swoony, happily ever after.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/258033279-under-water

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

When it comes to his private life, Rune is pretty quiet. He hasn’t even told those at the fire station about his son. Only a few know and some by accident. He’s not ashamed of his kid and the disabilities he has, he is just cautious considering his soon to be ex-husband is not a nice guy and has been disappearing in out and of Rune’s life before he can be served with the divorce papers. And when his ex comes back into town and starts causing even more harm, Rune is sure that he has no room for anything else. But Easton has a way of surprising him. Well, mostly driving him crazy, but deep down Rune knows he has feelings for Easton and falling for a straight guy is not a good idea. That is, until Easton reveals that he may have been crushing on Rune right back. It may have taken Easton a bit to figure out what he was feeling for Rune, but once he does, he is all in. And he proves bit by bit to Rune that he can be the man Rune needs if he lets him. And they’ll definitely need one another with everything that happens in this story! I really loved this story. We got our grump, Rune, and our sunshine, Easton, and they are just perfectly perfect for one another. Driving one another crazy, like two kids who don’t know how to reveal they like the other. And when they finally are on the same page? It’s everything both need and want and more than deserve. I loved getting to know them and watch them fall in love. They go through quite a lot and come out so much stronger at the end of it. I love this group of characters and I can’t wait to see who’s story is next!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Creepin U Season 2 Book 5: My Soul to Keep by Rae Simmons

 

Creepin U Season 2 Book 5

Tate

Creelin U has been all the rage since they started accepting humans. I never imagined I'd be one of those humans.

I'd only applied on a dare. I wasn't supposed to actually get accepted, let alone become fascinated with the broody new transfer.

But now I knew how Miley felt. I felt so out of place, so desperate to connect with someone that when my roommate asked to host a party, I couldn't say no.

Little did I know what that party would entail, and what my participation would bring. 

Luc

I wasn't sure what compelled me to apply to CU. College life had never appealed to me, but there's a first time for everything, I suppose. 

Then I found him, the adorable bright-eyed boy who'd summoned me. The first time I laid eyes on him, I knew he had to be mine. 

Then he made me a his virginity for my experience.

You know what they Never make a deal with a devil, unless you're prepared to take the heat.

You’re formally readmitted to Creelin University, known locally as “Creepin U.” The only things wilder than the monsters prowling around campus are the spicy male/male love stories unfolding between classes. My Soul to Keep proves that you shouldn’t make a deal with a devil–unless you can handle the heat. Don’t read unless you enjoy virgin MCs, possessive monsters, and a little bit of jealousy. It’s part of the Creepin Season 2 collab series, and each book has a HEA.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/252814694-my-soul-to-keep

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Luc has been feeling a pull lately. So much so that he finds himself at Creepin U. And it’s not until he lays on Tate does he realize why. Tate is his. And all Luc wants is to get to know Tate and win him over. Tate wasn’t sure about going to Creepin U, but turns out, everyone is a lot friendlier than he could have imagined. His roommate becomes like an older brother to him and actually looks out for Tate. And then there is Luc. He may be a demon, but Tate has never felt safer. And while it may take a moment to get over his own shyness, the moment he and Luc get together, he knows this is exactly where he is meant to be. Very cute story between Tate and Luc. I really liked watching these two fall hard for one another. This is just another fun story set in this series!

Necessary Roughness Book 2: The Lockdown Mann by Riley Hart

Necessary Roughness Book 2

Desmond

I was sixteen years old when I met Oakley Manning during a family beach vacation. He was funny, gorgeous, as obsessed with football as I was, and hurting after his mom abandoned him.

For two weeks, we were inseparable. Oakley made me feel complete, settling something inside me.

Then one night, I kissed him…and he kissed me back.

When he walked away afterward, I pretended it hurt less than it did. It’s a lesson that’s stuck with me—the people I want never choose me back.

Oakley

Everything about what I shared with Desmond Jackson was perfect.

Then, on the last morning of our trip, my ex-girlfriend-slash-best friend dropped a bomb: “I’m pregnant.” For the sake of the baby, we decided to make it work.

Eleven years later, Serena and I are still best friends, but our relationship is over, though we haven’t told anyone. Between her mom’s recent diagnosis and our daughter, we aren’t ready for more complications.

Enter Des, recently traded to L.A.’s second pro football team—my team being the first. Now he’s always in my periphery, infuriating and needling me…and still capable of making my pulse race. Our chemistry is as combustive as ever. Des worships my body in ways I’ve never experienced, but he doesn’t believe in forever, and I can’t do casual.

We compete at everything, but he doesn’t know he’s already won my heart. I just hope it’s a prize he wants…and that my world won’t implode if I have him.

The Lockdown Mann is a second-chance romance between two professional football players, with a complicated history and an even more complicated present. Expect banter, anonymous online messaging, and heart. There is no cheating in this book.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/250384100-the-lockdown-mann

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

When they were sixteen, Desmond and Oakley met at a time where Desmond needed a friend most. They spent weeks together in the summer, hanging out and not realizing it, falling for one another. And after Desmond gets the courage to kiss Oakley, everything crashes the next morning. Because turns out Oakley’s best friend and ex-girlfriend is pregnant. And he won’t abandon her and their child. So he breaks both their hearts and walks away. Years later, they’ve made a name for themselves when it comes to football. But for Oakley, he is currently almost a year into a separation with Serena. They tried for years to make their relationship work but both knew deep down they were only meant to be best friends. And that is what they are. But telling her parents, especially her mom who is sick, and their daughter is a little trickier than they planned. And then Desmond is traded to one of the LA teams. Soon Oakley is seeing him everywhere, and though they’ve seen one another during their NFL career, they’ve never talked about their past. But when feelings start stirring, it’s hard to ignore what could have been. For Desmond, he tried hard to push away the pain Oakley left him. But it doesn’t help that it wasn’t the last time someone left him. He’s kept so much of it in. And being around Oakley again, threatens to break his heart once more. Especially when they start hooking up. He keeps telling himself it’s just sex, nothing else. Because if he doesn’t protect his heart, who will? Oh these two! I wanted to shake them and tell them to be honest with one another but at the same time, their situation was definitely complicated. Poor guys have gone through a lot. But they deserved this second chance with one another. The universe has pushed them together more than once and they finally need to accept that they were always meant to be part of one another’s lives. I loved watching them get that second chance and falling hard for one another as adults. Another great book in this series! And looks like we got a small peek of what could be the next book. 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.